This flavor-packed, cheesy, soul-satisfying baked chicken spaghetti boasts everything you could ever want in an easy weeknight casserole. Plus, this time-saving make-ahead recipe is the ultimate comfort food!
Casseroles have gotten a bad rap because they’re way too easy. But hey, isn’t that what we want for those crazy weeknight dinners and make-ahead ease? Besides, what’s wrong with loads of cheese, shredded chicken, and spaghetti in a silky-smooth sauce for a unique baked dish that is always a huge hit?
We needed a freezer-friendly recipe because we were going to have a crazy week. That’s when versatile casseroles work their magic. I looked to see what I had, and there were chicken breasts in the freezer, pasta and canned tomatoes in the pantry, and veggies in the fridge. A little cheese and spice, and we had at least two dinners done and ready to go.
What Makes Chicken and Spaghetti the Perfect Bake
First, it’s super easy to make the pasta, sauté, and assemble. Second, it’s even better the next day as the flavor develops and the noodles absorb all that goodness. Besides, this convenient one-pan wonder is soooo satisfying. What more could you ask for on a crazy weeknight?
How to Bake Chicken Spaghetti
- Season and sear the chicken, sauté the aromatics for the sauce, then add the bell peppers and tomatoes.
- Cook the spaghetti and finish the sauce.
- Assemble the ingredients, pour it into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Recipe Notes
- Add breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or crushed butter crackers on top halfway through for a crunchy topping.
- For the ultimate cheesiness, skip the pre-shredded stuff and shred your own.
- If cooking for two, you can divide your ingredients between two smaller baking dishes, bake one now, and pop the other in the freezer for later.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can freeze this casserole, unbaked, in an airtight container for 3-4 months. Thaw it in the fridge the night before and let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking (or put it in a cold oven, then heat it) so you don’t break your glass lasagna pan. It will last 3-4 days in the fridge before baking.
Store leftover chicken spaghetti for 3-5 days. The microwave is usually the easiest way to reheat it.
What Goes With Baked Chicken Spaghetti
I like to serve this dish with traditional spaghetti sides. Homemade garlic bread and a wedge salad are my go-tos. But it also goes great with shaved Brussels sprouts salad, sweet potato salad, or pea salad on the side. Anything fresh and crunchy will balance well with the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
More Easy, Hearty Casserole Recipes to Try
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”SK0UYQ0s” upload-date=”2022-10-11T21:59:01.000Z” name=”BAKED CHICKEN SPAGHETTI.mp4″ description=”Baked Chicken Spaghetti is a flavor-packed, cheesy, soul-satisfying recipe and has everything you could ever want in a casserole. Cheese, chicken, and pasta create a super easy midweek dinner.” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”]
This blog post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.